IMPACT – HIGH

Taiwan recently updated its COVID-19 testing policy, as well as quarantine measures, for inbound travelers.

Key Points:

  • With effect from July 26, travelers arriving in Taiwan from Philippines will be subjected to the following COVID-19 testing and quarantine measures:
    • Taiwan nationals and certain foreign nationals (i.e., those with an Alien Resident Certificate or a resident visa, migrant workers, foreign students, and foreign diplomats) must be tested for COVID-19 at the airport whether or not they have symptoms. Those who have symptoms shall be transported to a group quarantine facility to await test results; asymptomatic individuals must undergo 14-day quarantine at home or at a quarantine hotel.
    • Foreign nationals without an Alien Resident Certificate must provide a negative COVID-19 test result certificate issued within three days of boarding before they are allowed to board their flight or transit flight. Those who wish to enter Taiwan must also undergo home quarantine for 14 days upon entry. Please click here for more information.
  • Foreign nationals who wish to travel to Taiwan for reasons other than tourism/social visits may apply for a special entry permit from a Taiwanese mission by submitting the necessary documents and forms.
  • Upon entering Taiwan, all foreign nationals must present an English language certificate of a negative COVID-19 test taken within three working days of their flight to Taiwan and undergo 14-day home quarantine.
  • The following visitors may be exempted from the COVID-19 test requirement:
    • Personnel on diplomatic or official business, migrant workers, and students (whose entry is managed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Labour, and Ministry of Education and who represent manageable risk levels).
    • Those coming to Taiwan for emergencies and crewmembers on vessels arriving in Taiwan (for whom it may be difficult to obtain a negative COVID-19 test certificate).
    • Foreign nationals holding a valid resident visa or an ARC are also exempt.
    • All other foreign nationals must provide a COVID-19 test certificate upon arrival in Taiwan. Please click here for more information.

Background: Taiwan first announced the COVID-19 test requirement at the beginning of July.

Analysis & Comments: The removal of the testing requirement for foreign nationals holding a valid resident visa or an Alien Resident Card is good news for employers who wish to send such employees to Taiwan. The response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop, and Deloitte will provide additional updates as information becomes available. Please check Deloitte’s COVID-19 Digital Map, available here, for information on travel restrictions and immigration changes in other countries.

Rest of World Source: Deloitte. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services. This includes Deloitte Tax LLP in the United States which does not provide legal and/or immigration advice or services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication. © 2020. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.

IMPACT – HIGH

Taiwan recently made amendments to its COVID-19 testing policy for inbound foreign nationals.

Key Points:

  • The COVID-19 RT-PCR test required for inbound foreign nationals previously had to be taken within three calendar days prior to boarding a flight to Taiwan. It must now be taken within three working days of boarding.
  • All foreign nationals traveling to Taiwan must submit an English-language COVID-19 negative RT-PCR test report from a test taken within three working days of flight boarding, with the following exceptions:
    • Personnel on diplomatic or official business, migrant workers, foreign nationals with valid Alien Resident Certificates, and students listed as special cases with manageable pandemic risk by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Labor, and Ministry of Education. Individuals who are receiving emergency humanitarian assistance and individuals arriving by boat are also exempt.
  • Foreign nationals with valid Alien Residence Certificates remain subject to 14-day home quarantine after entering.
  • Visa holders who do not yet possess an Alien Resident Certificate are still required to be tested and submit an English-language COVID-19 negative RT-PCR report from a test taken within three working days of flight boarding.
  • In addition to the COVID-19 negative test report submission, foreign nationals traveling to Taiwan must also complete the Quarantine System for Entry form on their cell phones before boarding.

Background: Taiwan first announced the COVID-19 test requirement at the beginning of this month.

Analysis & Comments: Foreign nationals who wish to enter Taiwan should arrange to take a COVID-19 test with an English-language certificate within three working days of boarding their flights. The response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop, and Deloitte will provide additional updates as information becomes available. Please check Deloitte’s COVID-19 Digital Map, available here, for information on travel restrictions and immigration changes in other countries.

Rest of World Source: Deloitte. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services. This includes Deloitte Tax LLP in the United States which does not provide legal and/or immigration advice or services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication. © 2020. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.

IMPACT – HIGH

Taiwan recently announced that all inbound foreign nationals are required to have an English-language negative COVID-19 RT-PCR test certificate in order to enter.

Key Points:

  • All foreign nationals entering Taiwan are required to show an English-language certificate of a negative COVID-19 test taken within three days of boarding their flights. They must then undergo 14-day home quarantine and observe other relevant epidemic prevention measures upon entry into Taiwan.
  • The test requirement does not apply to the following categories of foreign nationals entering Taiwan: foreign diplomatic visitors, migrant workers, those traveling for emergency situations and vessel crewmembers who experience difficulty in obtaining a negative COVID-19 RT-PCR test certificate. It also does not apply to foreign students whose travel to Taiwan is overseen by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Labor, and Ministry of Education, and who are in the manageable-risk level category.

Analysis & Comments: Foreign nationals who wish to enter Taiwan should arrange to take a COVID-19 test with an English-language certificate within three days of boarding. The response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop, and Deloitte will provide additional updates as information becomes available. Please check Deloitte’s COVID-19 Digital Map, available here, for information on travel restrictions and immigration changes in other countries.

Rest of World Source: Deloitte. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services. This includes Deloitte Tax LLP in the United States which does not provide legal and/or immigration advice or services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication. © 2020. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.

IMPACT – HIGH

Hong Kong has extended its mandatory quarantine policy for individuals traveling from mainland China, Macau and Taiwan. New exemptions will be provided for some travelers.

Key Points:

  • The mandatory quarantine will be extended until June 7.
  • The new rules allow authorities to make exemptions for individuals (1) who need to enter Hong Kong to receive or provide nursery, kindergarten, primary or secondary education at any school registered under the relevant Hong Kong educational ordinance and (2) whose travel is considered necessary for manufacturing operations, business activities, or the provision of professional services in the interest of Hong Kong’s economic development.
  • The Director of Health has been given authority, at a time in the future, to cancel the mandatory quarantine against travelers from mainland China or Macau if they can meet certain criteria, including testing negative for COVID-19 and producing a certificate showing that they have been under quarantine for 14 days in mainland China or Macau.
  • Non-Hong Kong residents arriving from overseas by plane will be denied entry to Hong Kong until further notice.

Additional information: Details on the exemption arrangements (including applications for exemption) are expected soon. Those exempted will be subject to Department of Health medical surveillance during their stay in Hong Kong and will be required to wear masks and report their temperature daily.

Analysis & Comments: The response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop, and Deloitte will provide additional updates as information becomes available. Please check Deloitte’s COVID-19 Digital Map, available here, for information on travel restrictions and immigration changes in other countries.

Rest of World Source: Deloitte. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services. This includes Deloitte Tax LLP in the United States which does not provide legal and/or immigration advice or services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication.

IMPACT – HIGH

The government has implemented an extension policy for visa holders who cannot leave Taiwan owing to COVID-19 travel restrictions.

Key Points:

  • Travelers who entered Taiwan before March 21 on visitor visa, landing visa or visa waiver, and who have not overstayed their visa, are granted an automatic 30-day extension.
  • The National Immigration Agency has implemented the Expanded Overstayers Voluntary Departure Program, which offers penalty relief measures to foreign nationals who have overstayed their visa and turn themselves in between March 20 and June 30.

Additional information: For the automatic visa extension the total period of stay cannot exceed 180 days. Penalty relief measures for those who have overstayed their visa but turn themselves in include no detention or entry ban and only the payment of a minimum fine.

Analysis & Comments: Employers should bear in mind that the government may change or adjust the visa extension policy. The response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop, and Deloitte will provide additional updates as information becomes available.

Rest of World Source: Deloitte. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services. This includes Deloitte Tax LLP in the United States which does not provide legal and/or immigration advice or services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication. © 2020. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.

IMPACT – HIGH

What is the change? Taiwan has imposed a travel ban on non-Taiwan nationals, with the exception of Alien Resident Certificate holders, diplomatic and official personnel, individuals who can prove that they are fulfilling commercial and contractual obligations, and individuals with other special permits.

What does the change mean? Those who are allowed to enter Taiwan on or after March 19 must undergo a 14-day quarantine.

  • Implementation time frame: Immediate and ongoing. The travel ban took effect March 19.
  • Visas/permits affected: All visas and permits, except ARC holders and other exempted permit holders.
  • Business impact: Businesses should plan for delays and postpone travel for affected employees.
  • Next steps: Due to the unpredictability of the situation, further travel restrictions may be announced. Travelers should check the official website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for the latest updates.

Analysis & Comments: Companies should identify affected employees and reschedule travel if necessary. Employers and employees should make efforts to obtain the latest information about any applicable travel restrictions if planning travel to or from Taiwan.

Source: Deloitte. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication. © 2020. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.

IMPACT – MEDIUM

What is the change? Effective immediately, Taiwan has added new restrictions for passengers who have traveled or transited through South Korea.

What does the change mean? Travelers entering Taiwan via South Korean will be subject to a mandatory 14-day home quarantine after arriving in Taiwan.

  • Implementation time frame: Immediately. The additional protocol took effect on Feb. 27.
  • Who is affected: All travelers entering Taiwan via South Korea.
  • Business impact: Travelers arriving in Taiwan via South Korea must remain at homes or at their accommodations for 14 days and are forbidden from leaving residences or from traveling abroad.
  • Next steps:  Employers should identify affected employees and plan for them to follow home quarantine procedures.   

Background: Taiwan has already prohibited PRC nationals and certain foreign nationals who have visited the PRC within the previous 14 days, from entering Taiwan, and that policy remains in place.

Analysis & Comments: Affected travelers should be aware of the home quarantine protocols. Travelers subject to home quarantine protocols are reminded that it is in violation of the home quarantine requirement if they leave their homes or take public transportation.  If this is the case, they will be fined from NT$10,000 to NT$150,000 under Taiwan’s Communicable Disease Control Act.

Source: Deloitte. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication. © 2020. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.

IMPACT – HIGH

What is the change? Foreign nationals with recent travel history in mainland China, Hong Kong and Macau have been prohibited from entering Taiwan.

What does the change mean? Foreign nationals who have visited or resided in mainland China, Hong Kong or Macau during the past 14 days will not be permitted to enter Taiwan, regardless of their visa status, unless they hold a Taiwan Resident Certificate, in which case they must quarantine themselves at home for 14 days from the day after their return.

  • Implementation time frame: Feb. 7.
  • Visas/permits affected: Potentially all entry permits and visa waivers.
  • Who is affected: Employees who have visited or resided in mainland China, Hong Kong or Macau in the last 14 days and their employers.
  • Business impact: Employers of foreign nationals with recent travel history in mainland China may experience delays affecting employee mobility.
  • Next steps: Employers should anticipate further restrictions on travel from mainland China, Hong Kong and Macau.

Analysis & Comments: The entry ban originally applied to mainland Chinese residents coming from the provinces of Hubei and Guangdong only, and was then extended to all residents of mainland China. That the updated travel ban now includes foreign nationals who have spent any time in mainland China, Hong Kong and Macau in the last 14 days, as well as mandated home quarantine for Taiwan Resident Certificate holders returning in the same circumstances, indicates that Taiwan will continue to implement stricter measures to contain the spread of the coronavirus. Employers will likely experience mobility delays for employees and business visitors in mainland China, Hong Kong and Macau. The response to the coronavirus continues to evolve, and Deloitte will alert clients to additional changes or restrictions as information becomes available.

Source: Deloitte. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication. © 2020. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.

IMPACT – MEDIUM

What is the change? Taiwan has announced that it will extend visa-free travel policies for nationals of Brunei, the Philippines, Russia and Thailand.

What does the change mean? Nationals of the four countries may continue to visit Taiwan without a visa for stays of up to 14 days for tourism or business.

  • Implementation time frame: The visa-free programs have been extended through July 31, 2020.
  • Visas/permits affected: Visa waivers.
  • Who is affected: Nationals of Brunei, the Philippines, Russia and Thailand traveling to Taiwan for short-stay business or tourism.
  • Impact on processing times: Visa waivers eliminate the need to apply for and receive a visa before travel.

Additional information: Taiwan first announced visa-free travel policies for nationals of Brunei and Thailand in 2016 and added the Philippines in 2017. Last year, Taiwan renewed the program for the three countries and expanded it to include Russia. The program has now been extended until July 31, 2020.

Visa-free entry requirements have not changed. Travelers must have a passport with at least six months’ validity from the date of entry; a return or onward ticket (plus any required visas for the destination country); proof of accommodations, the host’s contact information or details of an event or meeting; and a completed arrival card.

Analysis & Comments: Taiwan’s extension of eased visa policies for nationals of Brunei, the Philippines, Russia and Thailand is aimed at facilitating business travel, strengthening economic ties and encouraging investment. While the waiver will benefit a number of travelers from these countries, those who intend to stay more than 14 days must still obtain the appropriate visa.

Source: Deloitte LLP. Deloitte LLP is a limited liability partnership registered in England and Wales with registered number OC303675 and its registered office at 1 New Street Square, London EC4A 3HQ, United Kingdom.

IMPACT – HIGH

What is the change? Taiwan has extended spousal visa rights to same-sex spouses from 26 countries that recognize same-sex marriage.

What does the change mean? Same-sex spouses of Taiwanese citizens or Alien Resident Certificate holders whose home countries are both among the 26 countries who have completed their marriage registration in their home countries may now apply for dependent Resident Visa and Alien Resident Certificates (ARCs).

  • Implementation time frame: Immediate and ongoing.
  • Visas/permits affected: Resident Visa and Alien Resident Certificates (ARCs).
  • Who is affected: Same-sex spouses of Taiwanese citizens or Alien Resident Certificate holders whose home country is one of 26 countries who have completed their marriage registration in their home country.
  • Business impact: Taiwan could be an attractive option for foreign employees in same-sex marriages who are relocating to Asia.

Additional information: The change comes after Taiwan became the first locale in Asia to legalize same-sex marriage last month. Officials subsequently extended spousal visa and resident certificate rights to same-sex spouses from 26 countries.

Those countries are: Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Colombia, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Luxembourg, Malta, parts of Mexico, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, parts of the United Kingdom, the United States and Uruguay.

Taiwan joins Hong Kong as one of the first locales in Asia to extend spousal visa rights to same-sex partners. While same-sex couples cannot get married in Hong Kong, officials there began issuing visas to same-sex spouses last year after a landmark court ruling in favor of a same-sex spouse who was seeking dependent status.

Analysis & Comments: The ruling is a welcome development for eligible same-sex spouses interested in relocating to Taiwan.

Source: Deloitte LLP. Deloitte LLP is a limited liability partnership registered in England and Wales with registered number OC303675 and its registered office at 1 New Street Square, London EC4A 3HQ, United Kingdom.